Since 1945, the South Oldham Inter-Church Council has collected money and food for families in need through the annual Barry Stoess Memorial Christmas Food Basket Program. The tradition continued this holiday season with 350 families spread across Oldham County getting boxes full of food including a ham, bread, milk, apples, toiletries and other items donated from local individuals, businesses and organizations.
Approximately 1,000 volunteers helped this year including Scout Troops with Scouting for Food, La Grange and South Oldham Rotarians, local elementary, middle and high school students, and area churches. Volunteers worked to sort and pack baskets Dec. 12 through 19 with 100 families delivering food baskets to homes on Saturday, Dec. 20.
Bobbie Stoess, who leads the project each December, has helped with the collections since 1985. In 2015, the community project was named in her husband’s memory as the Barry Stoess Memorial Christmas Food Basket Program. Stoess said it was another “amazing year” with food and personal care donations even with raising costs.
Stoess said it’s not too late to start donating for 2026. Monetary donations can be made year-round to South Oldham Inter Church Council, PO Box 903, Crestwood KY 40014.
Dining and Cooking